SALISBURY, N.C. — Lincoln got several key firsts Saturday against Livingstone College with a 10-0 victory Saturday in Salisbury, N.C.
The win marked the Lions' (3-2, 1-1 CIAA) first win against a CIAA opponent and first road win since reinstating the program in 2008.
The Lions were led by a ground game that broke off several big plays throughout the game, led by Trey Thomas (Canton, GA/Woodstock) (Canton, Ga.) and D'Ante Smith (Bowie. Md./Riverdale Baptist HS) (Bowie, Md.).
Smith had 114 rushing yards and became the first Lincoln player to surpass 100 yards since the program resumed play in 2008. Thomas had 85 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown scamper. The Lions finished with a season-high 267 yards rushing, besting the previous high of 223 against Cheyney.
Defensively, Lincoln was masterful against the run, surrending just 4 yards. Brucelee Sterible (Miami, Fla.) an Bradon McElwee had eight tackles apiece and combined for six tackles for loss.
For the second-straight week, Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./John Bartram HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) got the start under center for an ailing Brandon Austin (Greenville, N.C./Farmville Central) (Greenville, N.C.). The true freshman threw for 116 yards in a soggy contest that saw rain from the opening kickoff through the final whistle.
Livingstone (0-5, 0-2 CIAA) came into the game surrendering 297 yards on the ground.
Lincoln held the lead from their opening possession when Rashaan Lisimba (Philadelphia, Pa.) kicked a 29-yard field goal capping a 35-yard drive.
In the second half, Lincoln struggled to move the football. Midway through the third quarter, Livingstone went attempted to score on a fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard-line but an errant pass gave the defense a clutch stop, preserving the 3-0 lead.
Taking over deep in their own territory, Lincoln manufactured its most impressive drive of the year. Smith broke off a 63-yard run and Thomas finished off the 92-yard drive with a 27-yard touchdown rush of his own.
Livingstone's last scoring threat came with eight minutes left in the game. On first-and-goal from the one, quarterback Steven Williams fumbled on a sneak.
